Ireland will take on South Africa and Australia in one-off one-day internationals in September next year.

Will Porterfield's side will face the Proteas at Sahara Park in Benoni, South Africa on September 25 before going up against the touring Australians at the same venue two days later.

It is a welcome boost for the associate nation, who will also play two 50-over matches against both Sri Lanka and Pakistan in Ireland in 2016, as they look to further prove themselves on the world stage.

Ireland were defeated by world champions Australia in a closer-than-anticipated encounter in Belfast earlier this year.

Head coach John Bracewell said: "It's fantastic news for Irish cricket. These are exactly the type of fixtures Irish cricket needs to take the game to the next level. There are fewer tougher challenges than playing South Africa in their home conditions plus the number one ranked side in Australia.

"The players will all relish the challenge and allied with the home fixtures already confirmed against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, we are seeing a much needed increase in the volume of top class cricket that we need."